Today's therapy-dog handlers recognize the need to be teammates with
their dogs. Teaming with one's dog involves unobtrusively providing
physical and emotional support as well as respectful guidance in what to
do. Being a teammate requires attention to our own behavior, not just
our dogs. This book reminds all handlers that being conscious of what we
do with our dogs helps them do their best work, and also can increase
the effectiveness of our visits.
Teaming with Your Therapy Dog teaches the STEPs of Teamwork and how
those STEPs fit with the Therapy Dogs Bill of Rights. These general
principles free handlers to apply them in their own way to their therapy
dogs individual personality and work, and to everyday life at home! As
the author writes, "The book explores a way of being conscious of what
you do with and to your therapy dog to support him in his work. It
describes functional principles of behavior you can learn and use
immediately, either together as a package or independently." Using an
exciting new methodology, the author guides readers to deepen their
relationship with their dogs by acting consciously and respectfully.